Metropolitan Barnabas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis along with the Metropolitans Timotheos of Thessaly, Justin of Nea Krini and Kalamaria and Plato of Lagadas presided over the Archieratical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Church of St. Demetrios in Thessaloniki.
This was followed by the official doxology in the holy church in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
At 13:30 p.m. a lunch will be served at the Officers’ Club in honour of the President of the Republic and at 18:30 p.m. an event for the solemnity of the day will be held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Aristotle University.
Tomorrow there will be a student parade on Tsimiski Street and the events will culminate with the military parade on the seaside avenue of Great Alexander at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning.
President of the Hellenic Republic: We are inspired by the example of those who fought and sacrificed for the freedom of Macedonia
The President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, referred to the anniversary of the liberation of Thessaloniki and the feast of the Patron Saint Demetrios, immediately after the official doxology at the holy church of Saint Demetrios.
“On the day of the feast of the patron saint of St Demetrios, we celebrate the liberation of Thessaloniki from the Turkish yoke, a great milestone in the history of our nation.
October 26 is a day of honour and remembrance of all those who, with faith in the timeless values of Hellenism, fought and sacrificed for the freedom of Macedonia. Their example always inspires and guides us.”, said the President of the Hellenic Republic.
Greek National Defence Minister: Thessaloniki has a bright future in the 21st century
“Thessaloniki has a bright future in the 21st century,” said the Greek National Defence Minister, Nikos Dendias, in a statement made immediately after the official doxology at the Church of St Demetrios.
“Today, the anniversary of the liberation of Thessaloniki from the victorious battles of the Greek Army, is always an important day. Thessaloniki is the capital city. The capital city of the Balkans.
It has incorporated the most important intellectual currents of Greece and the Peninsula, especially the very important intellectual edifice of the late Byzantine period. In this sense, therefore, Thessaloniki has a bright future in the 21st century.
And I wish today, on the day of St Demetrios, precisely for this bright future,” said Mr Dendias.
